Which Simpsons character will bite the dust in the new season premiere? Photo: Supplied

But fans won't find out who until September 28, when the episode, "Clown in the Dumps", airs on Fox.

Showrunner Al Jean promised viewers an "emotional story", and dropped a couple of hints as to who'll be biting the dust.

The character has appeared in more than two episodes, he says, and the actor who voiced this character claimed an Emmy for the performance in the role.

But fans of Matt Groening's near 35-year-old series need not worry, for they'll get a pick-me-up come November 9 in a Futurama crossover episode.

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Cast members from the cancelled 31st-century comedy will get the chance to reprise their roles, including Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Phil LaMarr, Lauren Tom, Maurice LaMarche, and Tress MacNeille, who's also part of the Simpsons voice cast.

In the episode called "Simpsorama", Bender travels back in time to kill Bart.